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Peter Byrne
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The LMA has apologised for its Malky Mackay 'banter' apology

“The LMA remains absolutely aware of our responsibility… to promote and uphold the highest standards of behaviour.”

THE LEAGUE MANAGERS ASSOCIATION has issued another apology after coming under fire for the wording of its statement issued on behalf of Malky Mackay.

The former Cardiff City manager is under investigation for misconduct after a file alleging a series of racist, homophobic and sexist text messages was forwarded to the FA.

Last night the LMA described Mackay’s messages as “a couple of one line texts that were, with the benefit of hindsight, very regrettable and disrespectful of other cultures.

“These were two text messages sent in private at a time Malky felt under great pressure and when he was letting off steam to a friend during some friendly text message banter.”

The wording of the statement, and in particular the use of the word ‘banter’, was slammed by a number of the game’s high-profile figures.

Footballer turned broadcaster Stan Collymore tweeted: “LMA statement. Fucking disgraceful. Institutional acceptance of the ‘banter’ of casual racism.”

“Who wrote the LMA statement?” asked QPR defender Rio Ferdinand.

The original statement has since been removed from the Association’s website and replaced with this:

“The LMA apologises for some of its wording, in its release yesterday, which was inappropriate and has been perceived to trivialise matters of a racist, sexist or homophobic nature. That was certainly not our intention.

“It is beyond argument that any comments that are discriminatory, even used in private, are totally unacceptable. The LMA remains absolutely aware of our responsibility to the game and to promote and uphold the highest standards of behaviour.

“The LMA will not be commenting further on the allegations relating to Malky Mackay whilst The FA conducts its investigation, other than to repeat that both the LMA and Malky will be cooperating fully.

“We will continue to work with all of the game’s stakeholders to address the important issues of respect and discriminatory behaviour in all its forms.”

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